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Question marks hang over Brazil

Five-time FIFA World Cup™ champions, the winners of the last two
Copa Americas and the birthplace of the world's brightest
talents, Brazil have the credentials to back up their claim to be
the kings of the football. But, as the class of 2008 are finding
out, standards have to be maintained. While their qualification
campaign seems to be progressing smoothly enough, the fans back
home are not entirely happy and even dished out some stern
criticism to their heroes in the last outing with Uruguay.

With almost a quarter of the South American qualifying race
having been completed,
FIFA.com takes a look at the
Seleçao's progress to date.
Results
Colombia 0-0 Brazil
Brazil 5-0 Ecuador
Peru 1-1 Brazil
Brazil 2-1 Uruguay
Positives
True to his reputation, coach Dunga has established some
much-needed defensive stability in the side since taking over. The
results have been there for everyone to see, with keeper Julio
Cesar conceding a mere two goals in four games. Up front, Brazil
came into their own on Matchday 2 against Ecuador. With 19 minutes
remaining and only one goal to the good, a Robinho-inspired Brazil
conjured up a 12-minute purple patch that saw them slam four more
past their opponents.
Negatives
Given the dazzling personnel at their disposal, Brazil's
team performances have left something to be desired, particularly
away from home. Following a goalless draw in Colombia, Dunga took
his side to Peru, where Kaka put them ahead only for the hosts to
hit back and claim a point. The fans will certainly be expecting an
improvement when the Brazilians head to Asuncion in June to take on
group leaders Paraguay.
Their finest hour
Brazil 2-1 UruguayGoals: Brazil - Luis Fabiano (44 & 64); Uruguay -
Sebastian Abreu (8)
While hardly a vintage Brazil performance, this was an
ultimately crucial win. After all, if Dunga's charges can
continue to churn out the results even on off-days like this, then
there is no limit to what they can achieve come 2010. The
Charrúas snatched an early lead at the Morumbi - they
could even have extended it had they been sharper in front of goal
- before Luis Fabiano made the visitors pay with a well-taken
brace. Welcome as they were, the three points did not stop the
Brazilian supporters from voicing their displeasure at a less than
convincing display.

The key menWith Dunga now calling the shots from the bench, there has
been a gradual changing of the guard. Julio Cesar seems to have
secured his place between the posts, while Robinho has been able to
reproduce his fine Real Madrid form on international duty. And
against Uruguay Luis Fabiano took his Brazil tally to eight,
confiming his place on their long roll call of sharpshooters. What
with Kaka and Ronaldinho polishing the bullets behind him, the
Sevilla striker can expect to bolster that tally before too
long.

The numbers game41: The months that have elapsed since Brazil last
chalked up an away win in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match. It was
on 9 October 2004 that they put Venezuela to the sword in Maracaibo
courtesy of doubles from Kaka and Ronaldo, and another from
Adriano. In their six games on the road since then, however, the
mighty Brazilians have drawn four and lost two.

Next upParaguay-Brazil
Brazil-Argentina

In conclusion"People who say qualifying is going to be easy for
Brazil don't know what they are talking about. There are some
difficult teams out there, and you also have to remember sides try
harder against us and they really want to win. Beating Brazil is a
huge motivator for them. It's essential we maintain our focus
and concentrate on reaching our objective,"
Robinho, rebuffing talk of an easy ride to South Africa
2010.